"steel"

Chartek 7 was specified for this project, as an epoxy intumescent coating with an outstanding track record of protection against hydrocarbon fires dating back to 1995. The PFP system had to be able withstand explosion loads in excess for 4bar while maintaining its integrity, and Chartek 7 easily met these requirements. Using Chartek also provided productivity benefits, due to its high build and simple meshing system, along with a low weight per unit area, helping to reduce transportation costs for pre-fabricated units.Pre-fabrication played an important role in this project, due to the harsh environmental conditions and remoteness of the site. Steel components were constructed at locations across Europe, with the emphasis on minimizing installation and delivery costs. The ability of AkzoNobel to provide standardized global products and a high level of technical support helped to streamline and add value to this process, complementing the productivity benefits of Chartek.

Battersea Dogs & Cats Home was established in 1860 by Mary Tealby as the Temporary Home for Lost and Starving Dogs. Since it opened, the charity has cared for more than 3.1 million dogs and cats. To increase capacity at their old Windsor site BDCH are adding a new wing.The animal charity required specialist doors for a new intake building which includes 27 kennels and 4 maternity kennels.Dortek supplied hygienic hinged doors with Stainless Steel frames throughout the new building. Some doors also had automations and access control locks for ease of access and increased security. Fire doors with 30 minutes certification were also supplied for the protection of animals and staff throughout the facility.The GRP construction of Dortek doors makes them easy to clean, waterproof and extremely robust. They are ideally suited to animal care facilities requiring a low maintenance design.

FlexEJ routinely welds very thin materials in the range 0.3 to 2mm thick. The materials are typically stainless steels, high Nickel alloys (625, 800, 825), Titanium and Duplex.Not only do we weld these thin materials we weld them to (relatively) thick dissimilar materials, a process which requires very high skill and ability. These welds are often unique and made in custom engineered parts.We also have experience with welding very thin perforated plate used to manufacture strainer baskets, silencer internals and filters.For higher volume manufacture we can also offer autogenous welding in thin materials.All our welders are coded; most have both ASME and EN qualifications.If you are interested in finding out more about FlexEJ’s welding capabilities, please contact our Technical Sales Team on +44 (0) 1384 881188 or send an email to sales@flexej.co.uk.

Peregrine Bryant were appointed to design a scheme for Stationers Hall to improve access and rationalise the internal layouts to enhance the building as a function space. The building, located near St Paul’s Cathedral, has a history that stretches back to before the Great Fire of London and any work requires a lot of co-ordination as parts of the complex range from Grade I listed to Ancient Scheduled Monuments.3v were asked to provide a full hardware service for this historic building which included scheduling all new and existing doors, rationalising ironmongery throughout and undertaking a full review of fire requirements. All new ironmongery was finished in antique brass with the exception of the toilet areas which use a split finish of antique brass externally and satin stainless steel internally. The main task was to ensure there was more continuity in the ironmongery used throughout the building so that it complimented both the aesthetics of the building and the function as an events space.

Kestrel Court is a bespoke development of nine apartments, comprising of one 3 bedroom and eight 2 bedroom high specification properties. Offering tree lined views, off street parking and private gardens, the development is nestled near Ewell Village, granting easy access to shops and restaurants. Its prime location provides A3 access to the M25 and trains to London. Also nearby is Bourne Hall, which features a library, theatre, museum, and various amenities, and Nonsuch Park, an English Heritage-listed historic park.Cellecta’s DECKfon Batten 70 was specified by 1929 Architects as they have been rigorously tested and are Robust Detail complaint for steel, concrete and timber separating floor applications. The battens consist of a layer of recycled, low resonance, open cell, flexible polyurethane foam bonded to an FSC/PEFC certified timber batten.Turnbull Homes were supplied 500m² of Cellecta products for this development in Epsom.

Pembroke House is an assisted living home located in Camberley. The home had a conversion of the second and third floors and construction of a 2 story roof extension to provide 116 affordable apartments, as well as 20 in a dedicated dementia suite. Facilities include a private dining room, lounge areas, restaurant, cinema, library, café, spa bathroom, bistro, library, beauty salon and activities room. Located in the city centre, the building has underground parking, garden terraces on the 4th Floor, and a porte cochere providing outdoor space for residents to enjoy.Cellecta’s DECKfon Batten 70 was specified by PRP Architects as they have been rigorously tested and are robust detail complaint for steel, concrete and timber separating floor applications. The battens consist of a layer of recycled, low resonance, open cell, flexible polyurethane foam bonded to an FSC/PEFC certified timber batten.Wates Construction was awarded this 2,880m² contract to construct this development in Surrey.

SFS have partnered with a leading building envelope contractor,  on the construction of two iconic towers in the heart of Birmingham, one clad in brass, the other silver. The buildings will transform the city's skyline and deliver a mix of luxury apartments and retail space. The striking Left Bank development, in Birmingham's popular West End, will create the tallest exclusively residential building in Britain's second largest city.Alucoil larson® ACM FR - Brass Brushed panel, with a fire-rated mineral core, was chosen for the façade. This drained and back-ventilated rainscreen cladding system for Tower 1 is being fitted with an NVELOPE® bracket and rail system and powder-coated SLA3 frame fasteners, SLA5 fasteners, as well as SX3 and SX5 A4 (grade 316) stainless steel fasteners from SFS. The choice of surface finishes for the envelope demanded high quality fastening solutions that would stand the test of time, and perfectly complement the crucial aesthetic goals.

TSL secured the contract to install the rainscreen façade at Colbourne Place, a prestigious apartment block in Woking. To create the structural aluminium framework for the substructure, helping hand brackets were used, with the framework being secured with DrillFast A2/304 stainless steel frame fasteners. Throughout the project, a Kanban (just in time) delivery model was utilised, supplying the fixings for each of the four elevations as TSL began that phase of construction."When we are working on a façade project we aim to install one elevation at a time; it is therefore important that our supplier can be flexible delivering the right components for the façade fixing system when we need it. That way we don't have boxes of fixings on-site where they could get damaged but are able to progress at the speed we need to install the rainscreen support system, such as the CAD files with bespoke fixing patterns and technical datasheets"Aaron Humphries - Contracts Manager at TSL

The project design included a car park solar shading system from Contrasol Ltd. The extruded aluminium profiles form feature solar shading ‘fins’ running vertically on the exterior of the multi-story car park, with galvanized steel plates behind the fins at each floor level to screen car headlights. By using Powdertech’s PWF 020 Wood Finish on the metal the large building could be brought into harmony with its environment, being less visible in the landscape. Unlike wood, PWF will not deteriorate or warp. It is also a benefit for the installer to be working with a homogenous material with good dimensional stability. The colour and gloss retention for Wood Finish is excellent and it will remain looking good for over 25 years with minimal maintenance required. The project in numbers: 9000 metres of 200 x 50mm extruded aluminium profiles 530 pre-galvanized plates, 1m x 1.5 m 7700 fixing brackets 5780 end caps

The Rock is a 1.6million sq/ft mixed use development aimed at regenerating the town centre of Bury. The £350million project includes shops, restaurants, cinema, bowling alley, parking space and residential units. Lang+Fulton supplied 300 sq/m of custom-sized panels and 20 sets of doors to secure and ventilate the street-front elevations of the electricity sub-stations. These were made to fit the structural openings with concealed ancillary steelwork. Italia-100 steel louvred material was chosen for its vandal-resistant properties and was also impenetrable to any abuse from a foreign object.2.8m high Italia-80 was also used in the car park as an internal visual screen separating vehicle access from a service road. In addition 160m of 2.8m high Stereo grating panels were installed on the upper levels of the car park around plant areas and emergency exits.

The new flagship outlet of Pioneer Foodstore in Carlisle was built to a high specification with the aim of significantly extending their client base. The planning application had to meet the requirement for a screen to conceal the roof-top services and air-conditioning plant.Italia-80V was proposed, which could be bent to a radius, to fulfill the vision for a semi-circular end to one side of the compound. The 2950mm high steel louvre panels were welded onto appropriately shaped RSA support rails at top and bottom, which were supplied with multiple holes for fixing to the posts to ensure perfect continuity of spacing. A double-leaf gate was also seamlessly incorporated by using a front fixing design.Lang+Fulton worked closely with the architect at an early stage to advise on the fixing points for the posts which would carry the screen. This ensured that the thermal barrier and waterproof membrane could be wrapped up the footings for a neat and effective installation.

The Durham Gateway project is a major new development at the Durham University that houses a variety of departments. Although aesthetically stunning, the concept presented several challenging issues.The project was carried out to a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ Standard and as such only used components that had minimal environmental impact. Cold-applied liquid roofing membranes, such as those manufactured by Polyroof, have been recognised by BRE to help roofing elements achieve up to an A+ rating (depending on the roof construction).Part of the works involved the construction of three curved roof areas that required a high-performance and durable waterproofing system which was to be covered by a timber shingle system. The shingles were supported by over 1,170 steel stanchions – all of which were seamlessly waterproofed with the Protec System.The main contractors of the project, Laing O’Rourke, were able to achieve the visual impact they wanted with the peace of mind that the roof was protected by a totally seamless and highly durable waterproofing membrane.

Smet Supported Partner, Hargreaves Group contracted to M2 Plastering, machine applied the LIDL External Render System in Waterlooville onto Poroton blocks externally using as Base Coat: Bauprotec 850 M – Lightweight Lime Cement Render and as Finish Coat; Mineral Finish Coat K.  As Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block or mass concrete and insulated plinths: Bauprotec RHS Multi-Purpose Render with the addition of Bauprotec SLP for plinths.The Internal Render System specification onto Poroton blockwork consists of a base of Coat: Bauprotec 850 M, Lightweight Lime Cement Render, sponge floated in warehouse areas and skim finished in sales areas. Key Coat: Change of substrate concrete/steel pillar/Poroton block: Bauprotec RHS is used.The LIDL render spec, available from SMET consists of:Bauprotec 850 M is a factory produced Lightweight Lime Cement Render, specially designed for machine or hand application produced to EN 998-1: 2010 and is CE Marked.Bauprotec RHS is a CE Marked, factory-produced highly polymer-modified render specially designed for hand and machine application produced to EN 998-1: 2010.Mineral Finish Coat – K is a CE marked, factory-produced mineral-based, high-quality finish-coat render, specially designed for hand and machine application to EN 998-1, 2010.Bauprotec SLP is a CE Marked, factory-produced Lightweight Sand & Cement Render specially designed for hand and machine application produced to EN 998-1: 2010.The special render properties; lightweight, low thermal conductivity, high yield, and Smet Supported Partner superior technical backup, are key factors in choosing SMET.SMET is committed to delivering consistently superior quality, German-made Render Systems to Lidl Plastering and rendering/plastering contractors across the UK and ROI.  If you’d like to speak to us about your Lidl job – contact SMET.All LIDL spec SMET Render System products are available directly from Smet Building Products Ltd, who ensures the contractor has a superior level of technical back up in the machine application of the LIDL specification.

This is the latest cycle hub designed, manufactured, supplied and installed this month by Falco for Stromness Travel Centre, located on the southwestern area of the picturesque Orkney Islands mainland.Installed on behalf of the Orkney Islands Council, the new cycle hub provides visitors to the Travel Centre with up to 20 secure cycle parking spaces utilising traditional Toaster cycle racks.In addition to the cycle parking, the cycle hub has been provided with 24 convenient lockers for the storage of helmets and personal equipment. The cycle hub makes use of toughened safety glass and bespoke branding graphics chosen by the client with powder coated applied to the galvanised steel framework in an attractive ‘Sapphire Blue’ RAL colour.The images attached show the new cycle hub installation, taken on a windy Wednesday afternoon and located on Ferry Road, near to the Stromness Ferry Terminal.Stromness Travel Centre is a tourism office providing visitors to the island with all travelling and sightseeing needs within one stop - with leaflets, timetables, booking services and a souvenir shop available to use and now secure sheltered cycle parking.The FalcoLok cycle hub as shown here at Stromness Travel Centre, is a contemporary cycle store manufactured from a combination of a galvanised steel frame and reinforced safety glass, designed to be sympathetic to the surrounding area. The FalcoHub was developed by Falco’s in house design team to ensure it met the client’s specification including structural calculations so that the whole design meets the UK/European CPR regulations EN1090 and is CE marked as per UK law.In addition to the cycle hub shown here for Stromness Travel Centre, Falco has also recently installed cycle hubs for many locations across the UK including Crewe, Runcorn, Birmingham International, Warrington Bank Quay and Carlisle station for Avanti West Coast, Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke’s Hospital for Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation, The Royal Oldham Hospital for Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, Ninewells Hospital & Medical School in Dundee and a bespoke cycle hub for Leicester City Council.For more information about the scheme here at Stromness Travel Centre, or how Falco can assist your cycle parking project, please contact our helpful sales team at sales@falco.co.uk.

Falco has completed the roll-out of a new tranche of cycle parking facilities across East Midlands Railway’s Uttoxeter, Boston and Long Eaton stations. The scheme which got underway at the start of this year involved the manufacture, supply and installation of a number of cycle parking facilities with associated shelters to allow commuters and visitors to securely park their bikes whilst on the go.Two key products of this tranche of the East Midlands Railway scheme includes the open and spacious FalcoZan-180 cycle shelter and the UK’s leading FalcoLevel-Premium+ two-tier cycle rack, providing mass, sheltered and secure cycle parking across the network.To date, Falco has supplied the East Midlands Railway network with the following cycle parking infrastructure:Long EatonFalcoZan-180 cycle shelter with FalcoLevel-Premium+ two-tier cycle racks to securely accommodate 36 bikes. UttoxeterFalcoZan-180 cycle shelter with with FalcoLevel-Premium+ two-tier cycle racks to securely accommodate 18 bikes. BostonBespoke FalcoLok secure store with FalcoLevel-Premium+ two-tier cycle racks to accommodate 16 bikes.The FalcoLevel-Premium+ as installed at all three East Midlands Railway stations, is the UK’s most user friendly two-tier cycle parking system which makes use of both steel and aluminium to create a significant reduction in noise pollution and a much smoother transition of the upper tier.The FalcoZan-180 shelter, as installed at two stations, is a straightforward two-tier cycle rack shelter manufactured from a combination of hot-dip galvanised steel and sustainable hardwood slats.Pictured here is the new cycle parking facility at Long Eaton Station, installed at the main car park off the B6540, the new cycle parking facility installed at Uttoxeter station at the main carpark off station road and the new cycle parking facility at Boston station next to the main carpark off Station Approach.For more information about Falco’s scheme for East Midlands Trains or how Falco can assist your cycle parking scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080. 

Falco has completed the fourth cycle hub installation at The Telford Langley School in Telford as part of a new tranche of secure cycle hubs located at key areas across the borough.The scheme which got underway last year involves the design, manufacture, supply and installation of bespoke cycle hubs coupled with associated FalcoLevel-Eco two-tier cycle racks to allow commuters, residents and visitors to quickly and conveniently park their bike whilst on the go.The latest 6m x 4m cycle hub as shown here at The Telford Langley School, is based upon the UK’s most popular cycle hub design – the FalcoHub, which is manufactured from a combination of a hot-dip galvanised steel frame with reinforced safety glass cladding. FalcoLevel-Eco two-tier cycle racks have been installed providing secure accommodation for up to 28 bikes.A convenient FalcoFix 2.0 cycle station has been supplied allowing cyclists to inflate tyres and carry out basic cycle maintenance whilst on the go.The secure cycle hub also comes complete with proximity LED lighting, eye-catching ‘Travel Telford’ branding graphics and powder coating in an Anthracite Grey RAL colour.In addition to the cycle hub here at The Telford Langely School, Falco has also manufactured and installed three other cycle hubs for Telford & Wreking Council, with other cycle hubs located at Rampart Way – across the bridge from Telford Central Station, at Wellington Civic & Leisure Centre – to the right of the car park entrance, next to the Wellington Town Council building and at Oakengates Station – situated to the right side of the main entrance.The FalcoHub, as shown here for Telford & Wreking Council, is a contemporary cycle store manufactured from a combination of a galvanised steel frame and reinforced safety glass, designed to be sympathetic to the surrounding area. The FalcoHub was developed by Falco’s in house design team to ensure it met the client’s specification including structural calculations so that the whole design meets the UK/European CPR regulations EN1090 and is CE marked.For more information about the scheme here for Telford & Wrekin Council or how Falco can assist your cycle parking scheme, please contact our helpful sales team on 01538 380080.

2021 sees Rolls Royce unveil Testbed 80, the world’s largest & smartest indoor aerospace testbed, as part of a £90million investment. It has been a hard year for the aerospace industry, with production slowing, and cuts in jobs, however this ground breaking facility shows Rolls Royce’s confidence in the future of aerospace for decades to come.HAG Ltd. have proudly worked alongside Buckingham Group to assist in this ground breaking facility that will not only test propulsion systems of the future, but also secure jobs in Derby, UK for many years to come.HAG Ltd. were tasked with designing & manufacturing a roller shutter for this distinctive & state of the art facility, to enable Rolls Royce to test the largest, smartest and most powerful engines in the world by MDS Aero Support Corporation of Ottawa, Canada.HAG Ltd. designed, manufactured and installed 2 Armourguard F1 insulated roller shutters that were 7.5m by 15m. The F1 model is a high quality insulated security shutters delivering the highest level of security and offering thermal protection. A composite of foam filled sections is encased in a flat double skinned interlocking galvanised steel lath.The project:£90million project3 years of construction7,000 square metres, the same size as a Premier league football groundHouses the world’s largest exhaust pipeContains 3,218 tonnes of steelAnd 27,000 metres3 of concreteEquipped with a 40,000 litre fuel tankCapable of testing engines on Sustainable Aviation FuelThe most capable & complex testbed ever designed & builtWarren East, Chief Executive, Rolls-Royce, said: “Testbed 80 is the largest facility of its type in the world. However, it is not only big, it is also smart and features the most advanced testing technology we have ever used. As the new global hub of our testing capability, it will support the next stage of our UltraFan programme as we begin ground testing the first demonstrator in 2022. This incredible piece of infrastructure is a very visible sign of our commitment to this site and secures the future of Derby as the home of large engine development, continuing a history that began in the late 1960s with the RB211.”HAG Ltd. are proud to be part of this monumental development in the aviation industry.

Protecting detection systems is vital to fire safety with only a functioning smoke alarm able to protect you in an emergency.Landlord regulations and Government policesLandlords have responsibilities to keep tenants safe in their properties by providing functioning life safety equipment.Regulations introduced in 2015 require private sector landlords to ensure they ‘have at least one smoke alarm installed on every storey of their properties’ as a legal requirement.There is also a proposed change to this regulation, coming into effect later this year, which will mean social housing is also included, making it mandatory that all rented accommodation must have working smoke alarms fitted. It will also be compulsory for landlords to repair or replace any faulty alarms as soon as they are made aware of defects.Fines up to £5000To protect their tenant, it is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure detectors are fitted and working at the start of every new tenancy agreement. Failure to comply with The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations introduced in 2015 can result in a hefty fine of up to £5000.One exasperated landlord wrote online that in one of his properties “Two of the detector heads have been tampered with, presumably so that the tenants can smoke in their rooms”. Consequently, this had been causing false fire alarms and it is up to the landlord to repair or replace the alarm.In some extreme cases, landlords have discovered that smoke alarms have been removed all together from properties, due to disturbances when cooking, smoking, etc. It is then up to the landlord to replace the alarm, and so it is advisable to invest in measures to prevent the alarms removal; some recommendations have been made in government legislations such as BS 5839-6:2019.Ultimately, landlords should feel obligated to ensure regular testing of smoke alarms and the replacement of batteries in their properties to reduce the risk of void insurance or a remedial notice. Simply testing smoke alarms can also help to prevent any danger to tenants and damage to properties should a fire occur.BS 5839-6:2019The latest recommendations in BS 5839-6:2019 are primarily concerned with saving lives and reducing injuries caused by fire, but also covers reducing property damage, which can be extremely costly to landlords in the case of fires.The guidance in BS 5839-6:2019 suggests that in environments such as HMOs, where multiple occupants can be disturbed by false alarms, landlords could alter their smoke alarms systems to have delays before the signal is sent to all tenants for the occupier to investigate the cause. This can help to reduce complacency during false fire alarms or the temptation to dangerously compromise smoke alarms.The recommendation also states that landlords should seek alternative smoke alarms that can alert to intervention or disablement of the alarm in the event of tenants continually tampering.Tenants’ responsibilityAlthough it is the landlords legal duty to provide working smoke alarms in all properties, tenants must not tamper with smoke alarm, remove them, cover them up or in any other way damage or prevent them from operating in their intended manner. Failure to comply with this could result in the tenant facing a substantial fine, or termination of their tenancy agreement.It falls to the tenants to take their own safety into consideration and should contact landlords if there are any issues with smoke alarms, such as false fire alarms, so their landlord can test and replace the batteries, or alarms themselves if necessary. Preventing alarms from effectively detecting fires can result in fatal incidents and also fines for misconduct falling to the tenants.One student at Edinburgh University covered the smoke alarm in his room with bubble wrap whilst living in student accommodation. Preventing the smoke detector from working effectively proved a dangerous mistake when a fire started in his room and he had to be pulled to safety after being found struggling to escape the flames while the building was being evacuated. As a consequence for this reckless behaviour, he was fined and ordered to pay £1000 in compensation after being arrested and pleading guilty.Steel Web Stoppers®  Safety Technology International is a specialist manufacturer of a range of fire, safety and security products; their wire cages help to prevent tampering with essential life safety equipment, such as smoke alarms.STI’s Steel Web Stoppers®  are designed to protect against vandalism, misuse and damage to smoke and fire detectors. Constructed from plastic coated, heavy-duty galvanised steel rod, the Steel Web Stoppers can withstand the severest of abuse from vandalism or accidental damage. It also prevents tampering with the alarm, without hindering legitimate use, therefore still allowing the landlord to service the device and replace batteries when appropriate.

A dilapidated department store in the centre of Royal Leamington Spa has been transformed to create a block of 26 luxury apartments and retail space.Developer Tag Urban Properties enlisted the help of London-based architects TateHindle to design The Hide to reflect the history of the town. The front elevation of the building reinstates a Georgian terrace using the same architectural characteristics as the adjacent building, but as it wraps around the corner it becomes more contemporary. Although the apartments have very modern interiors, there has been a very sensitive approach to the external design.The residential element of the scheme includes a range of one, two and three-bedroom apartments and duplex penthouses. The homes have ‘upside down’ living where bedrooms are below the open-plan living areas which look out onto private terraces with panoramic views across the town. A communal courtyard provides a suntrap for residents to share at first floor level.The location of the building meant that Harish Ratna, director at TateHindle, and his design team needed to address two potential issues: working within the space constraints and designing a façade in keeping within a conservation area. “Traditionally masonry and a silicone render would usually be used for this type of project, but as we couldn’t go outside the boundary, we used a steel frame system with a narrower wall paired with an external wall insulation (EWI) system to maximise the internal space and speed up the whole process,” explains Harish“This is a Georgian conservation area, and we consider ourselves as custodians of a public area and see it as our duty, not just for the client to be proud of the building, but to make sure it stands the test of time.”As part of this, it was critical that the cornices – the decorative moulding that crowns a building – integrated with the listed building and were the correct shade of white. Architectural moulding specialist Build-Lite worked with TateHindle to design a cornice that was in keeping with the surroundings and would also help to keep the building’s white render looking crisp for longer. “Normally you would have a lead and stone capping, but we designed a cornice, used at four levels, that should help to lower the amount of external maintenance needed,” explains Harish. “The cornice has the optimal angle to ensure rain will run off, away from the wall, rather than run down the wall which can cause staining and therefore need more regular cleaning to keep that crisp white finish.”The leading contractor on the project, HC Linings, was responsible for the steel frame, render, internal partitions, ceilings and joinery on the scheme, but enlisted the help of Central Facades to install Saint-Gobain Weber’s webertherm XM EWI system.It was important that the installation of the cornice didn’t compromise the performance of the EWI system so Build-Lite and Weber liaised closely to ensure the two products could work safely together. Nicola Burbury-Walters, National Account Manager at Saint-Gobain Weber, said: “In new build schemes, insulating on the external walls can be combined with a simple and reliable single skin construction to deliver both a cost-effective and efficient build programme and attractive façade. It also allows developers to address the ever-increasing thermal requirements of the building regulations by minimising heat loss and reducing CO2 emissions.”Weber provided technical support for the U-value and condensation risk calculation and pull-out tests were undertaken to ensure that the correct system was specified. Once the full specification was finalised, Weber talked the team through the system and advised on fixing patterns and wind loading calculations.Target U-values achieved: 0.15W/m2K in the steel frame section and 0.18W/m2K in the concrete sectionJames Wood, an application manager at Weber, worked with Central Facades on site throughout the project with weekly visits to address any technical queries and ensure the EWI system was being installed in line with Weber’s best practice installation guidance.  “Central Facades received training through our technical academy so that they had a good knowledge of our systems. It’s great to see such good quality work and to be assured they understood that our systems must be used in the correct way to meet all the necessary standards. They showed diligence to quality and specification, and we had a great spirit of openness throughout the project.”Robert Harriman, managing director of HC Linings, explained that the support from Weber was important to the success of the complex project.  “The building required a high thermal rating and it had to reach all the necessary fire standards. We needed an EWI system with a warranty that could be mechanically applied to the steel frame of the building so as not to compromise the fire wrap system and Weber offered us a comprehensive solution.”To make the project more efficient, weberend LAC rapid, a polymer-modified adhesive render coat was specified to reduce time and remove the need to prime the substrate prior to finishing the whole building in webersil TF, a silicone enhanced textured decorative finish in Silver Pearl.The Hide was completed in September 2021 and won a Leamington Society Award 2021. The Society presents the awards to projects that promote high standards in architecture and the preservation of the town’s historic features.

Originally built in 1986, Dukes Court has formed part of a £77 million regeneration scheme in Woking, Surrey. The redevelopment included new signage and pedestrian routes, updated office space, a new restaurant and a living ‘green’ wall - aimed to improve air quality. Outside of Dukes Court a new pedestrianised public space was designed and required the creation of large wavey planting beds all in corten to sit either side of the entrance to the building. The planter had to adapt to the stairways, slopes and columns present in the final design, adding a lot of complexity to the required planter wall geometry.Our latest solution, AKRI steel retaining planters were best suited for this as they are flexible enough to allow for varying levels and can be manufactured in the desired style of corten to harmonise with the existing building facade. The AKRI planters were then welded on top with a return, to create an attractive wave look. The finished scheme has created a pleasant, open space for tenants and members of the public to enjoy.

A bespoke Gatic CastSlot system was installed as part of the redevelopment of the riverside stand for Craven Cottage, home to Fulham FC. The project, which began in July 2021, incorporates Gatic CastSlot Treadsafe, which was chosen to drain away any excess surface water from the seating/standing areas along the deck of the stand. It was installed by main contractors Buckingham Group.The unobtrusive profile of CastSlot sits neatly within concrete, asphalt, and block surface finishes and features an electro painted ductile iron throat section. This is securely fixed to the galvanised steel channel body to provide an exceptionally robust yet discreet drainage system.The treadsafe option was chosen for this project. Treadsafe is available for areas where there is regular foot traffic and is available with a 10mm or 30mm opening—ideal for stadium standing and seating areas.Bespoke access boxes were also created for the new stand, and channel throat depths were also extended for level changes, allowing a constant invert within the channel.

The Chocolate Quarter is a St Monica Trust’s retirement living village. Formally home of Fry’s and later Cadbury’s chocolate factory, the development was completely refurbished, restoring the iconic buildings, and converting them into apartments. The development comprises of three interconnected blocks. Block A was converted to provide 106 apartments with two floors built off the factory roof. Block B was converted and extended at ground floor level providing communal areas and a 93 Bedroom Care Home and housing apartments. Block C accommodates offices on the upper four floors and a Doctors Surgery at ground floor level.Cellecta’s DECKfon Batten 70 was specified by KWL Architects as they have been rigorously tested and are robust detail complaint for steel, concrete and timber separating floor applications. The battens consist of a layer of recycled, low resonance, open cell, flexible polyurethane foam bonded to an FSC/PEFC certified timber batten.Hall Bros Carpentry was awarded this 4,953m² contract to construct this development in Keynsham.

GRP End of Platform Steps | Case StudyContractor AmcoGiffen selected Dura Composites to design and fabricate 6 sets of GRP End of Platform Steps for Kings Cross Station in London, which were installed by Amco in a very short time frame to meet the needs of the tight project timescales. Weighing up to 80% less than steel and 30% less than aluminium, Dura Composites End of Platform Steps offer equivalent performance for considerably less weight. This results in major savings including lower installation costs due to more economical transportation, handling and on-site positioning.The client was delighted with the quality of the design and workmanship and with Dura’s ability to turn the fabrications around in such a short space of time, describing the structures as having “gone in like a dream”. As well as fully fabricated non-corrosive and non-conductive single unit GRP end of platform steps Dura Composites can also supply in component or flat pack kit form ready for quick assembly on-site.

Located in the painstakingly conserved 16th century Riddle’s Court in Edinburgh’s Old Town, the Patrick Geddes Centre is aworld-class centre for learning. Steeped in history, culture andarchitectural wonder, it reopened as a community, conferenceand events space following a £6m restoration in 2017.Allgood was selected by conservation specialist architectsLDN to deliver an ironmongery solution that would providemodern facilities within the picturesque Category A-listedmerchant’s house, without compromising the integrity of theoriginal building.Prestigious heritage hardware brand Frank Allart was chosen,and an antique brass finish was applied to blend in with thehistoric areas of the venue. Throughout the modern quarters,the high-performance and ultra-durable Modric stainless steelrange was used.Bespoke hinges and door closers were developed to matchthe different manufacturers’ ironmongery, while Certifireapproved Alite door closers and Allgood’s integrated securitypackage including secure access controls, intercom andvideo entry systems were employed to deliver a high-qualityfinish.

The Project £12m investment into a new facility at Dudley College will enable the college to specialise in training people working in construction using brand new/state of the art apprentice standards. On completion of the project, the college have pledged approx. half a million pounds sponsorship into Dudley Academies Trust which will benefit a number of local schools and enable the sharing of resources and expertise. The ChallengeDeliver a package that will inspire the students and present a true representation of the quality and standards expected in the construction industry. Install a full height, flush frontage cubicles system in a warehouse style space with ceiling heights exceeding four meters. Use local trades and services to the Black Country. Offer non-standard products to class-room areas. The SolutionExcelsior Flush 30 Full Height Cubicles installed on 150mm leg with upgraded stainless steel fittings. Complementary Duct panelling installed to house cisterns and associated plumbing work.Manufacture and install Solid Grade Laminate workstations in the classrooms.

This stunning self build property delivered the dream home for our client. The vision of completely open plan areas, stunning vaulted ceiling spaces and stairwells made SIPs an obvious choice. The vaulted ceilings were formed with precision during the SIPs design stages and this complex roof them installed to exacting precision on site ensured the clients precise vision could be delivered.The specification of the 172mm SIPs panel ensured that U Values a low as 0.15 were achieved straight off the shelf which also delivered on the thermal, environmental and sustainability requirements requested by the client.This stunning property has endless features and is an aesthetic master piece, all of which was delivered through detailed design, engineering and installation by SIP Build UK as the appointed SIPs specialist.SIP Build UK took complete responsibility for the design, engineering and installation of the SIPs including all internal walls, floors and the huge amounts of additional structure in both glulam and steel to deliver this open plan, vaulted, stunning property.

Products:Externals: OS221 Orbis Midrail Infill Top FixAtrium: M311 Mono Glass Infill Top FixStairs: M310 Mono Glass Infill Side FixContractor: Galliford Try Construction LtdArchitects: Ryder ArchitectureThe £25m redevelopment of the Greenhead Sixth-Form College Campus was one of the first Net Zero Carbon in Operation school buildings built by the Department for Educations Rebuilding Programme.Galliford Try Construction enlisted Delta to fulfil the requirements of this balustrade and handrail package – totalling 280 metres of balustrade system.With Greenhead College situated within the Greenhead Park Conservation Area and in close proximity to historic buildings, the more traditional tubular Orbis powder coated balustrade with midrail’s was installed to the external steps.Whereas a more sleek, modern aesthetic was decided upon for the atrium and stairs in the form of Delta’s Mono powder coated balustrade with stainless steel handrails and glass infill secured with a bolt-through banjo lug.

Mono M311 Glass Infill Top FixOrbis OS211 Glass Infill Top Fix As part of the North West Fire PFI scheme, the Southport Community Fire Station provided improved facilities for Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and the North West Ambulance Service.The client’s main objectives were to create well designed facilities to a high architectural standard and provide a safe and healthy environment. Designed and built by Balfour Beatty Construction, this new 6 bay station included community-orientated facilities, training facilities, rest rooms, additional office space and two staircases.In line with the client’s vision, Delta Balustrades were appointed by Balfour Beatty to design, supply and install handrails and balustrades to both staircases and an external balcony area. Combining a minimalistic look and feel with a high quality stainless steel finish, the Mono system with clear glass infill panels was chosen for the main staircase. For the rear stair and external areas, the Orbis system with powder coated uprights was chosen.

St Pauls’ Way is an award-winning 1, 5, 6, & 7 story building with 23 units consisting of one, two and three bedroom flats over a ground floor community space. This scheme was designed using Building Information Modelling (BIM) to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating of 72.7%, awarding it winner of 6 national housing awards, including Evening Standard New Homes Award 2019’s ‘Best Regeneration Project'. Constructed of light gauge steel frame and faced with a buff brick, this scheme will contribute to London Borough of Tower Hamlets Community Plan.HiDECK Overlay 18 was specified by Architecture PLB in this project as the overlay flooring solution. It’s ideal for flooring applications incorporating an underflooring heating system due to its high thermal conductivity which provides rapid reaction times, saving on running costs. In addition, its high density makes it perfect for a variety of acoustic applications.Stack London was awarded this 6,300m² contract for this development in Tower Hamlets.

Nestled in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands, over-looking the Shannon Blueway and River Shannon, Drumhierny is a unique development of high-end holiday lodges situated in a 100 acre woodland estate. This multi-unit project, consists of sixteen lodges, in four distinct architectural styles, each nestled within their own private area of woodland. The lodges have been designed, manufactured, and constructed to achieve an A-rated Building Energy Rating (BER). To help achieve a thermally efficient building envelope a number of products from Partel have been used.The buildings were constructed using an offsite fabricated Light Gauge Steel (LGS) frame. As part of the frame construction a number of Partel’s low carbon building envelope solutions were used. This included EXOPERM MONO 150, a high performing breather membrane, IZOPERM PLUS, a phA Class Passive House Certified vapour control layer; and CONEXO MULTISEAL, a phA Class Passive House Certified airtight tape.

This work at Holborn’s Chancery House  — The Office Group’s largest location to date spanning 127,000 sq ft — focused on a design that accommodates multiple working zones and breakout spaces, enhances wellbeing and offers an abundance of natural light.Radii’s design department provided multiple bespoke solutions for this fit out, working on four of the building’s nine floors.For glazed fronts, our elegant Parallel 50 (Rw 45 dB) double glazed partitions in emulated satin stainless steel finish — a reference to the historic London Silver Vaults that are located at the base of Chancery House — were utilised along with wraparound framing and a custom blade detail to create an eye-catching visual effect.On the Ground floor, single glazed Linear 59 partitions (Rw 39 dB) with a bespoke pocket sliding door into drywall was installed for platform lift access.Finally, E30 fire rated double doors were placed on the Lower Ground Floor to provide fire route protection.

Architects HLW reached out to the Radii Pre-Construction Design team back in September 2021 with their design intent for a really unique glazed partition project for British multinational retail company Kingfisher.With the client being the home of many notable DIY and home improvement brands such as B&Q and Screwfix, HLW’s initial design aimed to create a ‘workshop’ aesthetic to the space through a combination of timber doors and upstands with glazed windows.The final design required steel framework to support the glazed windows and create the timber upstands.Radii’s Product Development Department developed this detail with the Pre-Construction team and conducted virtual stress testing to ensure the structures would be adequate to support the weight of the glass.The bespoke nature of the design and system meant that acoustic assessments needed to take place before the system could be specified for the project.Radii’s internal acoustic team helped to develop the design and conducted our own assessments, before the system was externally assessed by a third party to provide certification to the architect.

It was a partnership that was meant to happen. Premier Inn Hotels meets Premier Security & Fire Ltd.It was our absolute pleasure to assist commissioning company Mulalley by manufacturing and installing the external glass and steel communal entrance doors, industrial louvres and security gates (all to LPS 1175 SR2 standard) at the impressive Ladderswood Estate regeneration project in New Southgate, North London, a development that includes a new 85-bedroom Premier Inn hotel.New Ladderswood LLP is a joint venture between top UK developer Mulalley and housing association ONE HOUSING GROUP LIMITED, working in collaboration with the London Borough of Enfield.This major regeneration development features:93 social housing properties56 shared ownership apartments368 privately owned properties517 properties in total (426 apartments and 81 houses)There will also be:6 commercial unitsAn 85 bedroom hotelA new community centerFor more details, call us on 0208 559 8295.

BackgroundOccupying a prominent position on the Kingsway, The Curve development is a portfolio of 27 apartments. The key requirement for Cube Homes was to offer residents high quality, low carbon, affordable and sustainable apartments.After extensive planning, K Systems specified a direct fix system with mineral wool insulation and a silicone render finish. Our Direct Fix system for steel frame structures is KIWA BDA certified and provided the ideal solution for these newly constructed mid-rise apartments.Our team designed a façade solution that delivered modern, thermally efficient and aesthetically pleasing homes, meeting the client’s requirements.Our ServiceDue to the number of fixings and the curvature of the property, this was a technical project which required bespoke detailing.In collaboration with Bowker Sadler Architects and our approved installer Profac, we designed a comprehensive specification and were on-site when required, offering Profac technical and installation support throughout the build.The Direct Fix system specified is a cost-efficient solution for steel frame structures, with fewer components for a simpler and faster install. Direct Fix generates exceptional insulation and with a silicone render finish provides high levels of fire rating (A2,s1-d0), allowing Cube Homes to deliver safe and thermally efficient homes.Technical Project DetailsThe EWI needed to be line and level with the ground floor brickwork. To achieve this specific requirement, 300mm mineral wool (which is deeper than available mineral wool) was specified for the project. This meant 110mm and 190mm boards were combined to achieve the required 300mm.This thicker mineral wool meant that the curved elevation on the building was difficult to achieve. The insulation was facetted around the curve and carefully installed by Profac to create a seamless façade. The 300mm mineral wool resulted in a low U-value of circa 0.10 W/m²K, meaning heating costs for the apartments will be minimal and carbon usage will be reduced to a minimum standard.For the finish, silicone render (TC 15) was specified to create a striking curved elevation. Silicone TC incorporates the benefits of silicone technology to provide a water repellent finish with a fresh and modern appearance. The silicone allows water vapour to pass freely through the render whilst allowing the finish to remain weather resistant, making it the ideal solution for a low maintenance, long-term finish.

Architect/Designer: Norman Foster/Foster + PartnersLocation: The Robert Parfett Building, ManchesterProject Overview: New single storey building arranged around a central spine incorporating a mezzanine level, kitchen and variety of meeting spaces. Scope included a complete ironmongery package for all new glazed and timber doors.ServiceFull hardware scheduling & Bespoke finish.Project DetailsHere at 3v we were honoured to provide the ironmongery for the new Maggie’s cancer centre in Manchester that was designed by one of Britain’s most respected architects, Norman Foster, and engineered by his team at Foster + Partners.The first Maggie’s Centre opened in Edinburgh in 1996, there are now 19 Centres at major NHS cancer hospitals across the UK. The Centres have been set up to offer a non-clinical environment where anyone affected by cancer can stop by for advice or support. The timber frame creates a striking angular structure with tapered wooden columns and beams, however the use of warm wood and glass create a soft light-filled environment for people to gather in. What ironmongery do you choose to work with such a beautiful building? With timber as the primary building material and Nordic Bronze roof cladding we turned to our bespoke range and specified solid bronze ironmongery to compliment the natural feel of the buildings material palette. The simple design of our 304 model pull handle works in perfect harmony with the clean angular structure and homely aesthetic; functional while perfectly blending into the final design. Our most popular raw material is high quality stainless steel but increasingly our clients have been asking for something a bit different or unique. Stainless steel would not have worked in this design scheme, matching the bronze cladding added the perfect finishing touches to the warm and tactile materials used in this amazing structure. If you are thinking about specialist finishes for one of your future projects please contact our experienced team so we can advise you in more detail. To find our more about Maggie’s Manchester and to read Norman Foster’s interview on the design of the new centre follow the below link https://www.maggiescentres.org/about-maggies/news-and-publications/latest-news/designing-maggies-manchester/Photographs © Nigel Young/Foster + Partners

The Edward Worlledge Ormiston Academy in Great Yarmouth pride themselves on putting their students at the centre of everything they do whilst inspiring and motivating them on a daily basis. In 2021 Streetspace were approached by the school to help update 3 existing areas of the school campus into more usable covered spaces for the children to use and enjoy year-round.An ORION hypar™ Waterproof Tensile Canopy was installed in the part of the school playground aptly named ‘Mushroom Corner’, with the addition of foam post protectors for an extra element of safety for the children whilst playing. The design of the canopy offers a good balance of shade and shelter while the distinctive hypar form of the canopy compliments the fun landscape the school had already created. The unique hypar shape is created when diagonally opposite corners of the sail are raised and the resulting twist in the fabric creates the hypar form. The PVC based waterproof fabric is also combined with a PVDF self-cleaning top layer that helps to prevent dirt getting ingrained in the fabric.Streetspace then worked on updating the playground by installing a Triton Maxx polycarbonate roof canopy, providing the children with an effective sheltered space to use during their break and lunch times. The polycarbonate roof covering provides a good level of light transmission, ensuring a light and airy feeling under the canopy even on gloomy days, while still offering excellent protection during inclement weather. Steel guttering and downpipes powder coated to match the canopy frame were also installed to manage rainwater during inclement weather.Lastly, an ORION Barrel Vault Tensile structure was installed in the nursery playground to provide the younger children with shade and rain protection whilst they played outside on their apparatus. The lightweight nature of fabric tensile membrane canopies requires fewer structural steel columns, resulting in lots of clear space for the children to enjoy. Alongside this benefit, the soft membrane roof creates an ambient environment while absorbing the sounds of voices, rain and echo, making this canopy a perfect solution for playgrounds. ORION Barrel Vault Tensile Structures utilise a single piece PVC fabric membrane meaning no joins to attract dirt while utilising the same PVDF surface coating helping to reduce maintenance. For this project all canopy frames and rainwater systems were finished with a highly durable polyester powder coating with matching RAL colour to co-ordinate with the existing school colour scheme.